Ride Attraction and Method for Creating Impression of Rider Instability

ABSTRACT

Ride features described herein may include a ride surface in which a rider may be maintained on a lateral side wall while traversing the ride feature. The ride feature may be in a spiral to turn the rider about a central axis. The ride feature may include a central opening that provides a perception that the rider may fall off of the ride feature. The properties of the lateral side wall may be manipulated so that the centripetal force is used to control the rider&#39;s speed and position on the lateral sidewall so that the rider is kept away from the inside edge of the central opening. The centripetal force can be changed by: varying the pitch of the helix of the lateral side wall, varying the radius of the helix of the lateral side wall, varying the friction between the ride surface and the rider, and combinations thereof.

BACKGROUND

One type of ride surface is a flume in which a rider travels along a path created by a tube. The path of the flume can twist and turn to create different rider experiences. However, it is a perpetual challenge to create novel and exciting experiences for riders.

One way in which designers have created a different ride feel is to remove the top of the ride to create an openness to the experience. However, the rider is still retained within a fully supported flume having opposing side walls to maintain the rider on the ride surface.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments described herein are configured to create a new ride experience in which the rider may be provided the impression of a chance of falling off of the ride. Exemplary embodiments may include a transparent side wall and/or a side wall that is fully removed, or a ride structure having only one side wall. In an exemplary embodiment, the ride structure may comprise a partial flume in which one side wall is nor present or is transparent. The flume structure may provide the feel that the missing sidewall is close enough that a rider may fall off the ride along that edge. Exemplary embodiments may include a ride structure having an open center.

Exemplary embodiments described herein include sliding surfaces that utilize centripetal force via geometric manipulation of the sliding surface in order to maintain rider(s) and/or ride vehicles on the wall and away from the open center of the ride.

Exemplary embodiments described herein may provide a sustained wall ride that may impose a lateral g-force on a rider. Exemplary embodiments provide a rider feature in which a rider is configured to enter the ride feature on a lateral side wall of the ride feature. The ride feature is configured to maintain the rider on the lateral side wall as the rider traverses the ride feature. Exemplary embodiments may include a spiral ride path on the lateral side wall.

In an exemplary embodiment, the ride feature may comprise an open center. The open center may be a physical opening. The physical opening may be created by the absence of an opposing lateral side wall to the lateral side wall configured to support the rider. The physical opening may be created by the absence of a ride surface in the central axis of the spiral. The open center may be a visual opening. The visual opening may be created through a transparent surface. The transparent surface may provide the impression to a rider that the ride may fall off of the ride feature through the visual opening. The ride surface may be configured to retain water on the ride surface away from the transparent surface to reduce pooling at the transparent surface and maintain the illusion of a missing wall. The ride surface and/or transparent surface may include openings, water guides, or other features to drain the water and/or control fluid flow to reduce water containing and/or pool at the transparent surface to maintain the impression of the absence of a surface.

Exemplary embodiments described herein may provide new ride experiences and additional thrills for rider(s) as the open center may create insecurity in the rider. The open center may provide an appearance of an opening in the ride attraction that may create an impression of rider instability. Rider instability may be the ability of a rider to fall off of the ride feature.

Exemplary embodiments may be used to create an iconic aesthetic feature within a ride attraction. Exemplary embodiments of the iconic aesthetic feature may be displayed as a new large feature in order to create demand and attract riders.

Exemplary embodiments may be used to reduce the cost of production for a ride structure. The ride surface may be construction to maintain the rider on a lateral side wall of the ride feature. The remaining ride structure, such as the opposing lateral side wall may be removed, thereby saving construction costs. For example, less material may be used as the construction of the ride surface is targeted to the known trajectory of the rider.

Exemplary embodiments may be used to provide better viewing for the ride experience. The riders themselves may benefit from the absence of a side wall to see more of the park, spectators, and/or the ride attraction. The riders may benefit from the thrill of seeing outside of the ride feature structure. The spectators or patrons not on the ride may also benefit from better viewing. Spectators, patrons of the park, and/or persons waiting for the ride may be positioned for viewing into the ride surface to see riders as they traverse the ride surface. By removing a sidewall of the structure, users may have easier visibility into the ride structure and/or riders traversing the ride surface.

DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-2 illustrate an exemplary ride feature according to embodiments of the invention comprising a lateral side wall that spiral around an axis.

FIGS. 3-6 illustrate an exemplary ride feature according to embodiments of the invention depicting an enclosed flume that enters the open ride feature.

FIGS. 7-9 illustrate an exemplary amusement ride having a ride feature according to embodiments of the invention depicting the closed flume and open ride feature that spirals around a central axis and column.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary ride feature according to embodiments of the invention depicting an embodiment that incorporates an inner lip extending upward from the ride surface.

FIGS. 11-16 illustrate an exemplary ride feature according to embodiments of the invention in which the ride feature has a central opening and a contour guide

FIGS. 17-21 illustrate an exemplary ride feature according to embodiments of the invention incorporating a dual spiral design.

FIGS. 22-26 illustrate an exemplary ride feature according to embodiments of the invention incorporating an enclosed dual spiral design.

DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description illustrates by way of example, not by way of limitation, the principles of the invention. This description will clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives, and uses of the invention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the invention. It should be understood that the drawings are diagrammatic and schematic representations of exemplary embodiments of the invention, and are not limiting of the present invention nor are they necessarily drawn to scale.

The invention provides riders with a different ride experience compared to other features in the Water Park market. Exemplary embodiments may include a ride feature with a central opening. The central opening may create the impression of rider instability by providing the perception that a rider may fall off of the ride feature. The ride surface may define a path in which a rider can traverse. The ride surface may be defined having a width to encompass all of possible ride paths given permissible riders and ride vehicles for the ride attraction and ride feature. The central opening may be positioned adjacent to the ride surface such that a rider may experience an uneasiness of falling off of the ride surface, while being maintained on the ride surface through intentional design of the ride surface to maintain the rider on the lateral side wall.

Exemplary embodiments may also or alternatively retain riders on a lateral sidewall of the ride feature as the rider traverses the ride feature. The lateral sidewall may be any wall shape having a vertical component. The lateral sidewall may be concave, planar, or a combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the lateral sidewall is angled relative to the horizontal for the entirety of the lateral sidewall. The angle of the lateral sidewall may be constant and/or may be variable.

The selected geometry of the ride feature may be designed to retain riders to the lateral surface using centripetal force. Accordingly, the lateral sidewall may be curved along the rider trajectory. The lateral sidewall may define a spiral shape to urge or direct the rider trajectory into a curved ride path creating the illusion that riders can fall off of the inside edge of the open curved surface. However, in reality, riders can be maintained on the open curved surface due to the centripetal force. The open curved surface of one embodiment may be a banked turn spiral, such that the riding surface is at an angle with respect to the ground, yet appears substantially flat in the direction of travel. By employing a banked curve, the rider's reliance on the force of friction to maintain a particular position or trajectory is decreased. The normal force acting on the rider will act at an angle with the horizontal, and that will create a component normal force that acts along the axis normal to the path of travel. This component normal force will now be contribute to creating the centripetal acceleration required to move the rider safely along the ride path.

The properties of the ride surface, open curved surface, may be manipulated so that the centripetal force is used to control the rider speed and position on the open curved face. Centripetal force can be changed, such as increased or decreased, by changing the mass, velocity, angle (i.e. rate) of descent, and radius of the rider. Losses such as friction can also be used. For example, various design considerations may be used to change the centripetal force and design the ride surface to maintain the rider on the ride feature:

-   -   1) Vary the steepness to accelerate (steeper) or decelerate         (shallower) the rider.     -   2) Vary the radius of the rider trajectory to accelerate         (tighten radius) or decelerate (reduce radius) the rider.     -   3) Vary the friction between the riding surface and rider(s) or         vehicle(s) to accelerate (reduce friction) or decelerate         (increase friction).     -   4) Employ water jets or nozzles to accelerate or decelerate the         riders.     -   5) Any combination of the above, such as, for example varying         the friction and varying the radius.

By controlling the centripetal force the rider can be positioned up on the open curved surface and an open center can be created. This open center is created, in part, by the removal of at least a portion of the side wall. Exemplary embodiments of the open center may have multiple benefits, such as saving cost (less material), better viewing for riders, better viewing for patrons not on the ride, increased thrill due to worry of falling down the hole, or combinations thereof.

Exemplary embodiments have an open curved surface creating the ride surface, wherein the properties of the open curved surface can be manipulated to control the rider's position on the open curved surface and maintain a rider on the open curved surface.

In an exemplary embodiment, the rider's position can be controlled and accelerated before safely exiting the rider from the feature at a higher speed than entry by using the same centripetal force manipulation through selecting the properties of the open curved surface.

In an exemplary embodiment, the properties of the open curved surface can be used to manipulate the centripetal forces on the rider and control the rider's position and decelerate the rider before safely exiting the feature at a lower speed than entry.

Exemplary embodiments may comprise an open curved surface defining the ride surface. The open curved surface may comprise a lateral side wall. The open curved surface may be angled relative to the horizontal orientation. The open curved surface can be in a spiral shape. The open curved surface may be made using two different pitched helixes and a joining profile. In an exemplary embodiment, the components of the ride feature defining the helical profile may be repeatable to reduce mould costs. In an exemplary embodiment, the components of the joining profile may be unique to transition the ride between the two helical profiles.

Exemplary embodiments of the ride feature includes a ride attraction in which the ride feature is a part of the ride attraction. The ride attraction may, therefore, comprise an entrance flume into the ride feature, exit flume out of the ride feature, exit run out extending out of the ride feature, or combinations thereof.

Exemplary embodiments may include a ride feature inlet configured to transition the rider from a slide path into the ride feature with the rider positioned up on the lateral sidewall when the rider enters the ride feature. Exemplary embodiments may include a ride feature inlet configured to transition the rider from an entry box or conveyor into the ride feature with the rider positioned up on the lateral sidewall when the rider enters the ride feature. Exemplary embodiments may include a ride feature inlet configured to transition the rider from another ride feature into the ride feature with the rider positioned up on the lateral sidewall when the rider enters the ride feature.

Exemplary embodiments may include a ride feature outlet configured such that the rider exits from ride feature into a slide path of the ride feature outlet with the rider positioned up on the lateral sidewall. Exemplary embodiments may define the ride surface of the ride feature such that the rider is maintained on the lateral sidewall during an entire traversal of the ride feature. Exemplary embodiments may include a ride feature outlet configured such that the rider exits from the ride feature into a pool, or into a shutdown lane or outrun.

Exemplary embodiments may maintain a rider on the ride surface. Any combination of surface configurations may be used to maintain the rider on the ride surface. For example, the ride feature may be configured with varying helix pitch, radius and cross-sectional profile to control the rider position on the lateral sidewall so that an open center can create insecurity. Exemplary embodiments may include water jets or nozzles positioned on or near the ride surface to maintain the rider in an appropriate position and/or location on the ride surface. The water jets or nozzles may configured to increase the riders' velocity or to decrease the riders' velocity, such as by placing jets or nozzles on or near the ride surface facing generally in the direction of the rider's motion in order to increase the rider's velocity in the direction of travel. Likewise, jets or nozzles may be positioned on or near the ride surface facing generally opposite to the direction of rider travel to retard the riders' velocity. In one embodiment, the jets or nozzles may be partially embedded in the ride surface, such that the riders will pass over the top of the jets or nozzles during travel.

Exemplary embodiments may include a central support structure positioned within the open center. The central support structure may contain stairs. The central support structure may provide viewing by spectators directly onto the ride surface through the open center.

The properties of the open curved surface may be manipulated so that the centripetal force is used to control the rider's speed and position on the open curved surface so that the rider is kept away from the inside edge of the open curved surface.

The centripetal force can be changed by:

-   -   1) Varying the pitch of the helix. To accelerate the rider using         only pitch variation, the helix may become steeper. To         decelerate the rider using only pitch variation, the helix may         become shallower.     -   2) Varying the radius of the helix. To accelerate the rider         using only the radius variation, the helix radius may decrease.         To decelerate the rider using only the radius variation, the         helix radius may increase.     -   3) Varying the friction between the riding surface and rider. To         accelerate the rider using only friction variation, the friction         can be reduced. To decelerate the rider using only friction         variation, the friction may be increased.     -   4) Any combination of the above, such as, for example varying         the friction and varying the radius.

Exemplary embodiments of the ride feature may not include an inner guidance feature. The absence of an inner guidance feature may be the absence of any vertical contouring of the ride surface designed to retain the rider on the ride surface.

Exemplary embodiments of the ride feature may include an inner guidance feature. The inner guidance feature may be the vertical contouring of the ride surface designed to influence the ride path of the rider. The inner guidance feature may be a lip or elevation of the ride surface to contour fluid flow and/or the rider to influence the ride trajectory of the rider. The inner guidance feature may be configured to reduce its visibility to a rider on the ride surface. For example, the inner guidance feature may have a height that is less than a height of a ride vehicle traveling on the ride surface. The inner guidance may have a height that is less than half of the height of the ride vehicle traveling on the ride surface.

Exemplary embodiments of the ride feature having an inner guidance feature may configure the inner guidance feature to reduce its appearance to a rider. For example, the inner guidance feature may be transparent or semi-transparent. The inner guidance feature may have openings. The inner guidance feature may be configured as a guidance channel. The guidance channel may have openings. The ride surface may comprise a guide channel and/or an inner guidance feature. The guidance channel may be positioned on the same side as the inner guidance feature of an intended trajectory of a rider and/or may be positioned on an outside edge, opposite the inner guidance feature of an intended trajectory of the rider.

The spiral profile of the lateral side wall may substantially reduce viewing of the ride surface from spectators exterior to the ride feature. The spiral profile may fully enclose the slide feature from viewing an interior of the riding surface from outside of the ride feature.

Exemplary embodiments of the ride feature may include a partial spiral rotation, a full spiral rotation, multiple spiral rotations, or any combination of full and partial rotations of a spiral.

Exemplary embodiments of the ride feature may be positioned within a ride attraction having a rider entrance and a rider exit. The ride feature may be positioned in the ride attraction to decelerate the rider and control the rider position after a high speed section or separate feature of the ride attraction. The ride feature may be used to accelerate the rider and control the rider position before a downstream high speed section or feature.

Exemplary embodiments of the ride feature may include a central opening. The central opening may include a column or other support structure through the central axis of the spiral of the lateral side wall. The support structure may incorporate stairs to permit riders to travel from the bottom of the ride to a top of the ride to enter the sliding surface from a top platform or starting location.

A ride feature and ride attraction are shown and described herein. The ride feature and ride attraction is described in terms of a rider on the ride surface. The rider may be directly on the ride surface and/or may be positioned by themselves and/or with one or more other riders on a ride vehicle. The term rider is therefore intended to encompass the individual rider, a combination of riders, or use of a ride vehicle. Therefore, when the instant disclosure describes the increased friction between the rider and the ride surface, for embodiments include a ride vehicle, the increased friction is intended to be between the ride vehicle and the ride surface. Ride vehicles may include boards, tubes, rafts, and other kinds of vehicles.

Exemplary embodiments of the ride feature comprise a spiral configuration. The spiral configuration may comprise two or more different helical sections joined by one or more joining profiles between adjacent helical sections. Each of the helical sections may comprise their own same component parts that can be repeatable through that helical section. Other helical sections may comprise different radius or other design attribute that is different between helical sections, while maintaining the same component part within the same helical section.

Exemplary embodiments include a ride feature entrance. The ride feature entrance may be configured to position the rider on the lateral sidewall. In an exemplary embodiment, the rider may be positioned on the top half of the lateral sidewall when the rider enters the ride feature. The ride feature entrance may comprise an open form or a closed form. The ride feature entrance may have a profile including any combination of circular, elliptical, flat, curved, or other shape. The ride feature entrance may comprise another ride feature.

Exemplary embodiments include a ride feature that may be configured to retain the rider on the lateral side wall as the rider traverses the ride feature. The rider may exit the ride feature from the lateral side wall. For example, the rider may exit the lateral side wall on a top half of the lateral sidewall. The ride feature may comprise a ride feature exit. The ride feature exit may comprise an open form or a closed form. The ride feature exit may have a profile including any combination of circular, elliptical, flat, curved, or other shape. The ride feature entrance may comprise another ride feature.

Exemplary embodiments described herein may include an open viewing experience in combination with a downward spiral travel trajectory created by a spiral lateral sidewall. The open viewing experience may be provided by a central opening in the ride surface. The open viewing experience may be provided by the absence of an opposing inner lateral sidewall from the lateral sidewall defining the ride surface.

Exemplary embodiments described herein may be used to create a new rider experience. The properties of the open curved surface may be manipulated so that the centripetal force is used to control the rider's speed and position on the open curved surface and kept away from the inside edge of the open curved surface. The exemplary ride feature may create a sense of insecurity as riders think they may be able to fall off the inside edge of the open curved surface.

Exemplary embodiments described herein may create new viewing experiences for patrons not on the ride. As the ride surface may be visible directly through the open ride surface and riders being maintained up on the open curved surface, the configuration can create a sense of insecurity for patrons not on the ride as they will think riders can fall off the inside edge of the open curved surface. The additional viewability to the ride surface also permits patrons not on the ride to be able to see the riders more easily.

Exemplary embodiments described herein may create new viewing experiences for riders on the ride. As the ride may provide an open lateral sidewall and riders can be maintained on the open curved surface, riders may have better viewing angles outside of the ride while traveling on the ride.

Exemplary embodiments described herein include ride features of an open flume configured in a helical profile. The ride feature may include two or more different helical profiles joined through one or more joining profiles. The helical profile may comprise repeating components. The open flume may comprise a shape similar to an open tube helical profile, in which the interior lateral sidewall of the open flume is removed. The open flume is thereby created by a concave lateral sidewall that does not have an opposing lateral sidewall on an interior edge of the helical profile. The absence of the opposing lateral sidewall is a sidewall on the side of the ride feature along an inner edge of the slide nearer the central axis of the helix. The lateral sidewall is a wall having a direction including a vertical component (fully upright with the entire wall in the vertical direction, or an angled wall having an angle greater than zero to the horizontal). The opposing lateral sidewalls may be lateral sidewalls on opposite sides of a horizontal portion of the ride surface.

Exemplary embodiments described herein may comprise a reduced cost ride feature as compared to the conventional open flume helical ride features. As the ride can have an open configuration with the rider's position controlled by the contouring of the ride surface, a large proportion of the flume profile is no longer needed and can be removed. Exemplary embodiments do not have an inner barrier or additional surface, thus saving costs of this portion of the open flume.

Exemplary embodiments described herein may be used as a compact speed inducing feature. The properties of the open curved surface can be manipulated so that the centripetal force is used to control the rider's position on the open curved surface and accelerate the rider before safely exiting the feature at a higher speed than entry.

Exemplary embodiments described herein may be used as a compact and timely speed reducing mid-ride feature. The properties of the open curved surface can be manipulated so that the centripetal force is used to control the rider's position on the open curved surface and decelerate the rider in a timely manner before safely exiting the feature at a lower speed than entry.

Exemplary embodiments may include sectional or step wise use of helical partial tube profiles to reduce costs incurred in the design of variable open helical slides. By designing the open curved surface so that it is made using two or more different pitched helixes and one or more joining profile, the costs may be reduced compared to a fully variably designed helical ride feature. Exemplary embodiments may include helical parts for the ride surface that are repeatable along their own different pitch and therefore can be used to reduce production costs.

The invention can be a standalone waterslide or the main feature in a waterslide. The attraction may comprise a ride surface, a ride entrance, and a ride exit. The ride feature may include pumps or other water structures for supplying water to the ride surface. Although waterslides are illustrated as the exemplary ride attraction, the invention is not so limited. Other sliding ride attractions may benefit from the disclosure described herein, such as those having reduced friction surfaces for sliding, and/or ride attractions include vehicles moved freely on a ride surface. One benefit of the instant design is in the impression that a rider may fall off of the ride surface. Therefore, preferably the rider is sliding or moving on the ride surface in an untethered manner (such as off of a rail or fully guided path).

The ride feature can also be part of a fusion ride (a slide with multiple features) with features before the ride feature described herein. This may be to control the rider speed and trajectory after exiting the ride feature.

The ride feature can also be part of a fusion ride (a slide with multiple features) with features after the ride feature described herein. This may be to control the rider speed and trajectory before entering the feature.

FIGS. 1-2 illustrate an exemplary ride feature 100 according to embodiments of the invention. The exemplary ride feature comprises a rider entrance 101, a rider exit 102, and a ride surface 103 extending between the rider entrance and the rider exit. The ride surface is configured as a lateral side wall. The lateral side wall may be generally planar and may spiral around a central axis. The lateral side wall may be angled relative to the horizontal axis, such that a directional component of the lateral sidewall is vertical (the lateral sidewall extends at least partially upward). As illustrated, the ride surface 103 does not include a horizontal component surface or an opposing inner lateral sidewall. The ride surface is therefore configured to maintain the rider on the lateral sidewall through the entirety of the ride experience. The ride exit may transition into a rider flume having an inner and outer lateral sidewall and a concave surface extending there between. In an exemplary embodiment, the ride feature is supported by a central support column (not shown) around which the ride surface wraps.

FIGS. 3-6 illustrate an exemplary ride feature according to embodiments of the invention. FIG. 3-5 illustrate an exemplary embodiment in which the ride feature 300 comprises additional turns of the spiral. The ride feature may also be used in combination with other ride features. For example, the illustrated embodiment includes a first ride feature of an enclosed spiral flume 301 that enters into the ride feature 300 according to embodiments described herein. The initial ride feature may be used to position the rider at a desired position on the ride surface and/or create a desired rider speed so that the rider traverses the ride feature described herein according to a predetermined range of trajectories. The ride surface 303 of FIGS. 3-6 may be generally concave. The ride surface may not have opposing lateral sidewalls. Opposing lateral sidewalls may be a vertical upward extension on opposite sides of a bottom or horizontal portion of the ride surface when viewing the ride surface along a radius of the spiral. In other words, opposing sidewalls would be created on a ride surface if the sidewall has an upward vertical component above the bottom of the ride surface on an inner edge of the ride surface along a radius and another sidewall that has an upward vertical component above the bottom of the ride surface on an outer edge of the ride surface long the same radius of the spiral of the ride feature. (See, FIG. 8 , in which an exemplary radius would correspond to the spokes of the support structure in the central opening of the slide feature.)

FIGS. 5-6 illustrate different inner wall structures to create different rider visual experiences. FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment 500 in which an inner wall structure is removed. In this configuration, an open flume 503 with a central opening 505 to create the spiral of the ride feature. The inner wall or inner boundary of the spiral is defined by the absence of an inner lateral wall opposite the lateral wall 504 intended for the rider to traverse. FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary embodiment in which the ride surface is continued down the spiral 600. The inner wall 605 extends upward from the ride surface at the end of the feature in order to better direct the rider to the transition area, or to the next ride feature, exit, etc.

FIGS. 7-9 illustrate an exemplary amusement ride having a ride feature according to embodiments of the invention. The exemplary embodiment of the amusement ride 700 may include a ride entrance 701 and a ride exit 702. The ride entrance 701 may be elevated at a higher elevation from the ride exit 702. The ride entrance may be coupled to a platform 710 or other structure to permit riders to get to the higher elevation of the ride entrance. For example, the structure may comprise stairs. The ride exit may exit into a pool 720 or other water structure.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary ride feature 1000 according to embodiments of the invention. The exemplary embodiment of the amusement ride feature 1000 may include a ride entrance 1001 and a ride exit 1002. The illustrated feature may include an inner boundary structure, such as a lip 1005 extending upward from the ride surface 1003. The lip may be of a lower dimension to provide visualization by a rider on the ride surface over the lip. The lip may be transparent or semitransparent to provide a perception to the rider that an inner boundary is not present on the ride feature.

FIGS. 11-12 illustrate an exemplary ride feature according to embodiments of the invention in which the ride feature has a central opening 1105. The ride feature also has a column 1106 positioned in the central opening. The ride feature may also include a guide feature 1107. The guide feature is created through the contouring of the slide surface. The guide feature 1107 may permit the ride surface to stay more horizontal but imposes the centripetal force through the movement of the riders along the guide feature 1107, thereby directing the riders along a specific portion (the lower surface) of the ride feature.

FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary ride feature according to another embodiment of the invention incorporating a guide feature 1107. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 13 , two ride vehicles (or riders) may be sent down the ride attraction at the same time, but on different “tracks” or paths within the ride feature. The guide feature 1107 acts to direct the first ride vehicle 1110 (or rider) along the inner (or lower) portion 1103 of the ride feature, while the second ride vehicle 1120 is directed to and rides along the outer (or upper) portion 1104 of the ride feature. In an exemplary embodiment the ride feature has a central opening 1105 which acts as a central axis about which the ride surface turns or wraps about the central opening 1105. The ride feature may also include a central column 1106 positioned in the central opening. In other embodiments, the interior section may be enclosed or there may be a ride feature in the interior section, such as a bowl. Exemplary embodiments may also include some other planar surface or covering structure in the interior of the ride surface.

In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 11-14 , the pitch of the lower portion 1103 is the same as the pitch of the upper portion 1104 in order to promote a racing aspect of the ride. Alternatively, the lower portion 1103 and the upper portion 1104 may each have different or varying pitches to promote different slidepaths with different feature sets with which riders and observers may interact.

FIG. 15 illustrates a detail view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention showing the first and second ride vehicles 1110, 1120 travelling long the inner portion 1103 and the outer portion 1104 of the ride feature, respectively. FIG. 16 illustrates an overhead view of this embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary ride feature according to another embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 17 , the ride is comprised of two ride features 1703, 1704 similar to the features depicted in FIGS. 11-16 , each comprising a helical open flume in which an inner lateral sidewall is removed, the two ride features intertwining with each other. In an exemplary embodiment, each ride feature 1703, 1704 may include a ride entrance 1701 and a ride exit 1702. In an exemplary embodiment the ride feature has a central opening 1705 which acts as a central axis about which the twin ride surfaces turn or wrap about the central opening. The ride feature may also include a central column 1706 positioned in the central opening. In other embodiments, the interior section may be enclosed or there may be a ride feature in the interior section, such as a bowl. Exemplary embodiments may also include some other planar surface or covering structure in the interior of the ride surface.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 17 , the ride entrances 1701 are positioned proximate each other adjacent to the central column 1706. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 18, 19, and 21 , the ride entrances 1701 are positioned opposite each other on the outer edge of the ride feature, away from the central column 1706.

FIG. 18 depicts a side elevation of this embodiment. As seen in the perspective view of this embodiment illustrated in FIG. 19 , the ride feature outlet 1702 exits into a pool. Exemplary embodiments may include a ride feature outlet configured such that the rider exits from ride feature into a slide path of the ride feature outlet with the rider positioned up on the lateral sidewall. Exemplary embodiments may define the ride surface of the ride feature such that the rider is maintained on the lateral sidewall during an entire traversal of the ride feature. Exemplary embodiments may include a ride feature outlet configured such that the rider exits from the ride feature into a pool, or into a shutdown lane or outrun.

In the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 17-19 , the pitch of the first ride feature 1703 is the same as the pitch of the second ride feature 1704 in order to promote a racing aspect of the ride. Alternatively, the first ride feature 1703 and the second ride feature 1704 may each have different or varying pitches to promote different slidepaths with different feature sets with which riders and observers may interact.

FIG. 20 provides a detail view of one portion of the ride feature, showing the ride surface 1703, the central opening 1705 and the central column 1706.

FIG. 21 provides an overhead view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 .

FIG. 22 illustrates an exemplary ride feature according to another embodiment of the invention. In this exemplary embodiment, the entire dual ride feature depicted in FIGS. 17-21 is enclosed. As shown in FIGS. 22-26 , the ride feature includes upper walls 2204 that are substantially vertical, extending from the top of the ride surface 2203 up to and in contact with the underside of the portion of the ride surface 2203 above it. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper walls may merge into or become the ride surface of a higher portion of the ride feature. In an exemplary embodiment the ride feature has a central opening 2205 which acts as a central axis about which the twin ride surfaces 2201, 2202 turn or wrap about the central opening. The ride feature may also include a central column positioned in the central opening. In other embodiments, the interior section may be enclosed or there may be a ride feature in the interior section, such as a bowl. Exemplary embodiments may also include some other planar surface or covering structure in the interior of the ride surface. FIG. 22 shows a side elevation of the enclosed dual wrap embodiment, while FIG. 23 shows a perspective view of the same.

FIG. 24 provides a view of the interior of the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIGS. 22 and 23 . The central opening 2205, and twin surfaces 2201, 2202 can be seen. Because there is no interior wall in this embodiment, the riders on surface 2201 may view the riders on surface 2202, and vice versa, during at least a portion of the ride. The ability to see the other riders enhances the racing aspect of the ride.

In an exemplary embodiment, the riders may be subjected to images projected onto the riding surface or lateral walls of the ride feature. For example, in the enclosed embodiment of FIG. 24 , images, lights, or other visible indicia may be projected onto the inside of the ride feature. The projected images may be used, for example, to display the rider's speed or position relative to other riders, or it may be used to project various images to simulate an underwater or outer space voyage, or it may project other images or abstract shapes to enhance the ride experience. Other images, motifs, or visual depictions not explicitly described herein may also be employed within the scope of this invention. A person of skill in the art will also understand that the ability to project or display images is not limited to the enclosed embodiment shown in FIG. 24 , but that images might be displayed on any suitable ride surface to enhance the ride experience.

FIG. 25 illustrates an overhead view of the dual enclosed embodiment, but with a portion of the enclosure removed to enable a view of the interior. With the enclosure removed, the twin ride surfaces 2201, 2202 and opposing riders can be seen. FIG. 26 provides the same overview view of the dual enclosed embodiment, but with the entire enclosure intact.

In the upper most portion of the ride feature, where is no higher ride surface, the enclosure may be formed by angling the walls to a center point, as shown. As shown, the walls create a conical or seashell shape in this embodiment. In another embodiment, the enclosed ride feature may be comprised of an enclosed flume that from the exterior resembles a coiled tube or a conventional enclosed flume.

FIG. 26 illustrates an overhead view of this exemplary embodiment of the invention.

In some embodiments of this invention, the ride feature may include spinning pads positioned on the banked walls or banked ride paths to induce the ride vehicle (or rider) to spin during the ride. Alternatively, the spinner features may be positioned at or near the exit of the ride or at transition areas between ride features.

In an exemplary embodiment, the central column (such as column 1706 or 2206, supra), may include stairs for patrons to view the ride and/or to interact with riders in a gaming aspect. In another exemplary embodiment, the ride features or ride attractions described herein may include viewing platforms located along the central column, or positioned along the outer perimeter of the ride to allow patrons to view the ride and/or interact with riders in a gaming aspect. In an exemplary embodiment, patrons may interact with the riders through water jets or similar features mounted on or near the ride feature and accessible to the patrons. Alternatively, the patrons may interact via virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR), whereby the patrons can interact with the riders by “shooting” the riders or non-rider targets with VR or AR weapons, or by accomplishing other tasks, puzzles, or challenges presented to the observers. In another embodiment, the riders may take part in VR or AR challenges while on the rider. The riders' experience may thereby by influenced by the riders or the observing patrons' skill in completing challenges. For example, a rider on a first track may accrue points thereby giving his ride vehicle a boost from a water jet; alternatively, the rider may use points to slow down opposing riders during portions of the ride, thereby enhancing the race experience. Likewise, the observing patrons may accrue points that can be used to influence the current riders, or the points may be banked for the observing patrons to use on their own ride experience. A person of skill in the art will be familiar with ride feature disclosed in the art that will allow for the implementation of the games described in this paragraph.

The figures provided herein are exemplary only. Any illustrated feature or component may be included in any other combination of features from any figure. For example, any ride feature described or shown wherein may be included with any ride entrance, ride exit, other ride features, central opening, central shaft, water features, pool, entrance, exit, stairs, structures, etc. Any component may be added, duplicated, removed, or otherwise recombined and stay within the scope of the instant disclosure.

As used herein, the terms “about,” “substantially,” or “approximately” for any numerical values, ranges, shapes, distances, relative relationships, etc. indicate a suitable dimensional tolerance that allows the part or collection of components to function for its intended purpose as described herein. Numerical ranges may also be provided herein. Unless otherwise indicated, each range is intended to include the endpoints, and any quantity within the provided range. Therefore, a range of 2-4, includes 2, 3, 4, and any subdivision between 2 and 4, such as 2.1, 2.01, and 2.001. The range also encompasses any combination of ranges, such that 2-4 includes 2-3 and 3-4.

Although embodiments of this invention have been fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that various changes and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as being included within the scope of embodiments of this invention as defined by the appended claims. Specifically, exemplary components are described herein. Any combination of these components may be used in any combination. For example, any component, feature, step or part may be integrated, separated, sub-divided, removed, duplicated, added, or used in any combination and remain within the scope of the present disclosure. Embodiments are exemplary only, and provide an illustrative combination of features, but are not limited thereto.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A ride feature, comprising: a rider entrance; a rider exit; a ride surface between the rider entrance and the rider exit, wherein the ride surface comprises a lateral sidewall and the ride surface is configured to maintain a rider on the lateral sidewall during a banked turn comprising the entirety of a rider travel path from the rider entrance to the rider exit; wherein the ride surface is configured to maintain the rider on the lateral sidewall using centripetal forces and one or more of varying the pitch of the ride surface, varying a radius of curvature of the banked turn, or varying the amount of friction between the rider and the ride surface.
 2. The ride feature of claim 1, wherein the ride surface comprises a spiral configuration.
 3. The ride feature of claim 1, wherein the ride surface comprises a central opening.
 4. The ride feature of claim 1, wherein the banked turn does not have a lateral inner sidewall opposite the lateral sidewall of the ride surface.
 5. The ride feature of claim 1, wherein the ride surface comprises two or more helical profiles coupled by one or more joining profiles.
 6. The ride feature of claim 2, comprising at least one revolution of a spiral.
 7. The ride feature of claim 1, having an inner guidance feature.
 8. The ride feature of claim 7, wherein the inner guidance feature is transparent or semi-transparent.
 9. The ride feature of claim 7, wherein the inner guidance feature comprises openings.
 10. The ride feature of claim 1, wherein the ride surface comprises an outer guidance channel.
 11. A ride feature, comprising: a rider entrance; a rider exit; a ride surface between the rider entrance and the rider exit, wherein the ride surface has two or more helical profiles separated by a contoured guide, comprising a lateral sidewall, wherein the ride surface is configured to use centripetal forces to maintain a first rider on the lateral sidewall located on a first portion of the ride surface during a banked turn comprising the entirety of a the first rider's travel path from the rider entrance to the rider exit, and to use centripetal forces and a contoured guide feature to maintain a second rider on a second portion of the ride surface during a banked turn comprising the entirety of a the second rider's travel path from the rider entrance to the rider exit; wherein the ride surface is configured to maintain the first and second riders on the first and second portions, respectively, of the banked turn using centripetal forces and one or more of varying the pitch of the ride surface, varying a radius of curvature of the banked turn, or varying the amount of friction between the rider and the ride surface.
 12. The ride feature of claim 11, wherein the ride surface comprises a spiral configuration.
 13. The ride feature of claim 11, wherein the ride surface comprises a central opening.
 14. The ride feature of claim 11, wherein the banked turn does not have a lateral inner sidewall opposite the lateral sidewall of the ride surface.
 15. The ride feature of claim 11, wherein the first rider and the second rider are able to interact with gaming elements of the ride during the riders' travel from the rider entrance to the rider exit.
 16. A ride feature, comprising: a first and second rider entrance; a first and second rider exit; a first ride surface between the first rider entrance and the first rider exit, wherein the first ride surface comprises a first lateral sidewall and the first ride surface is configured to maintain a first rider on the first lateral sidewall during a first banked turn comprising the entirety of a rider travel path from the rider entrance to the first rider exit; wherein the first ride surface is configured to maintain the first rider on the first lateral sidewall using centripetal forces and one or more of varying the pitch of the first ride surface, varying a radius of curvature of the first banked turn, or varying the amount of friction between the first rider and the first ride surface; a second ride surface between the second rider entrance and the second rider exit, wherein the second ride surface comprises a lateral sidewall and the second ride surface is configured to maintain a rider on the lateral sidewall during a banked turn comprising the entirety of a rider travel path from the second rider entrance to the second rider exit; wherein the second ride surface is configured to maintain the second rider on the second lateral sidewall using centripetal forces and one or more of varying the pitch of the second ride surface, varying a radius of curvature of the second banked turn, or varying the amount of friction between the second rider and the second ride surface; wherein the first and second rider surfaces are configured to wrap around a central vertical axis.
 17. The ride feature of claim 16, wherein the ride feature comprises a central opening.
 18. The ride feature of claim 16, wherein the first and second ride surfaces do not have a lateral inner sidewall opposite the first and second lateral sidewalls.
 19. The ride feature of claim 16, wherein the first and second lateral sidewalls extend upward to form an enclosed outer surface of the ride feature.
 20. The ride feature of claim 16, wherein the first rider and the second rider are able to interact with gaming elements of the ride during the riders' travel from the rider entrance to the rider exit. 